Romans Part Two 

In the first part of our message, Paul stated the case of the needs of the heathen.  In his case he outlines a long list of sin and he concludes his comments on the heathen by saying that no only do they commit sin, they encourage others to do so.  My question to the church was, “If we support those who commit sin and causes others to sin, are we not guilty with them?”  Loving the sinner does not mean turning a blind eye to their sin.  Political and social correctness should never replace or diminish spiritual truth. 

Failure to declare ungodly and unrighteous behavior as unacceptable --- as sin against a Holy God --- places us in danger with the heathen who cause others to sin.  If we are passive in our stance against sin we are by default saying it is OK.  We are telling the world that disobedience of God’s instruction and statues is not a major concern of ours --- certainly not something we are willing to make an issue in the big picture of society.  

As Paul continues his case for the need for righteousness, he turns his attention to the “moralist”.  Paul knew there would be a whole class of people who would stand and say “amen” to what he had said about the heathen --- but would turn a blind eye to their own sin……….

Perhaps the moral man did not commit sexual sin, but does he lust to do so?  He may not steal in his own eyes --- but does he cheat in business --- does he bend the truth to his advantage --- does he turn a blind eye to sin when it benefits him rather than speaking out.  Is he inwardly living in sin --- as the heathen is openly doing………

The Lord himself puts the moralist and the heathen in the same category in Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard that is was said to those of old,  you shall not commit adultery, but I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Vs. 1-2  there is no excuse for man --- in whatever you judge another you will be judged.  Truth is the judge of us all.

Vs. 3-4  Since the judgment of God is according to the truth, it is foolishness to think for a moment that God will judge the heathen and not the moralist.

Vs. 5-6 After years of glossing over his personal sin and guilt, the pride of the moralist will not allow him to have a change of heart that leads to repentance.  Thus his pride and sinful heart stockpile the wrath of God so the in the day of wrath, God will deal justly with the moral man just as He does with the heathen.  The moralist must understand that the “unpardonable sin” is the rejection of the leading of the Holy Spirit as He convicts us of our sin and draws us to Jesus…….

Vs.  7-10 This verse does not mean we are saved by works --- what Paul is saying is that obedience to God as always a good thing --- in every dispensation. Today in the age of grace, there can be no obedience apart from receiving Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior.

We are called to run the race --- seeking --- striving --- contending to achieve Godly glory, to live lives that bring honor, and ultimately everlasting life with the Father.

We must be careful not to become self serving.  Look at verse 8 & 9; if we become self seeking, we can suffer tribulation, anguish, become doers of evil.

The good news is that if we do not do those things ---and instead--- are successful in living Godly lives--- we find the glory, honor and peace we so desperately seek.

Vs. 11 The eternal truth is that God deals in condemnation without favoritism and likewise deals salvation to the “whosoever” of John 3:16.

Vs 12-13  The moralist is connected with the Jew.  Knowing the law will not save him --- a moral code will not save him --- In the first commandment God tells us He is a jealous God --- we are to have nothing else above Him --- a moral code that ignores this important fact is useless --- living --- doing --- the will of God cannot ignore who He is. This is “THE” problem for moralist today…… They say, “I am a good person, I am a more moral person than some of those church goers” --- being moral does not save you --- if you reject the Lawgiver………you can’t be righteous if you are ungodly!!!

Vs. 14 – 15 Paul brings the Gentiles into his argument to the moralist.   The Gentiles do not have the advantage having the formal instruction of the law.  However, for some of them “by nature” live the kind of lives modeled by the law.  Paul also says it is not their outward lives but their hearts that reflect the law.

Vs. 16 As Paul is building his argument --- He reminds the reader that the day will come when the “secrets of men” will be judged according to the gospel of Jesus Christ………..

In verse 17 Paul begins to discuss the need of the Jew, which we will take up in part three of our series.

As we close --- are you a moralist --- or --- are you a true believer --- have you confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life……………..are you that person that see themselves are righteous while denying the person of God?

Let us pray………..